To anyone who glances for even a moment at the buildings and landscape of St. Augustine, it should come as no surprise that the city has been the subject of numerous works of art. Dating back to the era of Henry Flagler, artists from the north flocked here to paint out in the historic town – unable to resist the city’s old-world charm and mild weather. Plein air painting (French for painting out in the open air) had a surge in popularity in the 19th century and returned locally once again in the 1930s and 40s, with artists like Tod and Elizabeth Lindenmuth, Nunzio Vayana, Hildegarde Müller-Uri and J. Dexter Phinney.
The St. Augustine Art Association’s annual Plein Air Paint Out was established to not only bring back and pay tribute to the art history of the city but also to offer artists a chance to experience the excitement their predecessors had for the arts in St. Augustine. The event invites artists from all over to come and be inspired by the Spanish architecture, the old world charm, the bustling streets, the shimmering water. However, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 4th Annual St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out was brought to a staggering halt. But the St. Augustine Art Association and its artists are continuing on with what they do best: make art. As an adjustment to the much-anticipated Paint Out, the Art Association announces the Plein Air on the Porch event and online exhibit!
For the remainder of April, join this exciting community-wide paint out by capturing “en plein air” (“in open air”) views from your front porch, looking through a window, or even simply lounging your living room. Neighborhoods are bustling with walkers, joggers and bikers, so make it fun and, at a safe distance, a social activity! Everyone of all ages is invited to participate in this effort to stay active and creative from professional to young aspiring artists, and even to beginners and kids who seek to try something new. Share your works of art on Facebook or Instagram by using the #STAAAcreative hashtag.
Pieces that are created during this time may be submitted to the Plein Air on the Porch Online Exhibit, which will be on digital display from May 8 to 31, 2020 on the St. Augustine Art Association website. All artwork will be eligible for cash awards, which will be determined by age groups. Submissions are free for children ages 10 and under and for artists previously registered for the 2020 St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out, $10 for all others. Artwork may be entered online at www.staaa.org/pleinair from anytime April 27 to May 1, 2020.
For complete details, ideas on what to create and mediums to use, visit www.staaa.org/pleinair.